RCM statement on barring women in Afghanistan from midwifery education
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has made no secret of its intention to remove women from civic life. Since returning to power in 2021, they have imposed more and greater restrictions on women and girls, from taking away girls’ rights to education to taking away the voices of women and girls, literally, by forbidding them […]
RCM warns that reality does not meet ambition for Scottish maternity services
The Royal College of Midwives has today responded to the Auditor General’s NHS in Scotland 2024 report with caution, acknowledging the recognition from Government that prevention is key but adding that urgent action is needed to make the ambitions a reality. In general, the RCM supports the Auditor General’s report, which states the Scottish Government […]
Not once in a generation change, but a change for generations to come: RCM urges Government to be ambitious in its 10-year plan
The Royal College of Midwives has urged the Government to be ambitious for maternity care, as it submits its response to the consultation on the NHS 10-year plan. This, says the College, is an opportunity to reshape maternity services in England for the better, both for the women and families that access them and for […]
New figures show shock fall in number of UK-educated midwives joining NMC Register
New data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has revealed a shock fall in the number of UK-educated midwives who are joining the register. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the decrease of 12.5% as ‘significant’, given the understaffing challenges blighting maternity services. The RCM has been warning of the impact of […]
Encouraging improvements in maternity services, but still work to do says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the results of a national survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which shows that women’s experiences of maternity care are improving in some areas despite the challenges facing services and staff. The RCM says it’s pleased to see an increase in the levels of perinatal mental […]
‘Improving pay part of solution to recruitment and retention crisis,’ RCM tells Pay Review Body
‘Paying staff fairly and valuing the skilled work they do is an important part of the solution to the maternity staffing crisis.’ That’s what the RCM has told the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) this week, in its written evidence submission for the 2025/26 pay round for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The RCM is […]
RCM launches information series to support a sustainable maternity workforce
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has today launched a series of publications, Getting the Midwifery Workforce Right, to support those working in and managing maternity services to create the most appropriate workforce for their settings. A direct line can be drawn between the priority given to funding maternity services, the size and shape of […]
No shame, no stigma, only support
As midwives and MSWs, we spend our working lives supporting the women in our care. Not only that, but most of the people we work alongside are also women. Think about all those women – hundreds, probably thousands of them – that cross our paths. And now consider that the recent crime survey for England […]
Statement from HSC trade unions Northern Ireland 15 November 2024
Health Trade Unions in Northern Ireland met with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on the 14 November regarding pay for 2024/25. The unions reiterated their position that the Pay Review Body (PRB) recommendation should be implemented in full. Furthermore, the Health Trade Unions insisted that any pay offer must ensure pay parity and be backdated to […]
Midwife wins prestigious award for her empathy during bereavement
A midwife and sonographer from Orkney, Melissa Lindsay, has won the Midwife of the Year Award at Scotland’s Health Awards, which were held in Edinburgh at a dazzling awards ceremony last Thursday. The awards celebrate the outstanding work and commitment health care workers in the Health and Social Care network show to patients and communities […]